By Michael Ferraresi
GCU News Bureau
Multitasking is a must with Nick Ely. In addition to working on a degree and volunteering, the sophomore is preparing to lead GCU’s student government for 2012-13.
The end of the semester marks a challenging transition for a student who is already involved with multiple extracurricular commitments. His term, which officially begins in the fall, overlaps with the most dramatic growth in GCU’s history. More than 7,000 students could call the campus home by August.
Ely, 19, who grew up in Toronto, works with other students to raise awareness of brain tumor research. He helps organize intramural sports and serves as a mentor in the Grand Canyon Servant Scholars program. He is preparing for a Christian mission this spring to aid families living in housing projects in Guatemala City.
Ely and junior running mate Trent Bruns were elected last month with 39.5 percent of 546 student votes. Ely will succeed popular ASGCU President Anthony Mann, who Ely described as someone who “always has time to care for students with his words and his time.”
Already, Ely has begun analyzing some of the key issues facing GCU students.
On swipe cards:
“To my knowledge, there are going to be major changes to the way that meal swipes are conducted next year. I have heard of and been in meetings about several proposed meal swipe plans and there is one I am most definitely in favor of. It is a plan that involves a certain number of meals per week as well as a flex option that allots a certain amount of cash to be used independently of meals on things like Simply to Go or Jazzman's Cafe.”
On tuition:
“For a private, Christian education, GCU has the best tuition rate I am aware of. It’s been the exact same for several consecutive years. It is one of the reasons the school is growing so fast. I see no problems with tuition the way it is, because even though it is expensive, the school is also very generous with institutional scholarships and grants.”
On building campus community:
“The community at GCU very important to me. It is the issue that I will strive to enhance most because I think it plays a critical role in academic and spiritual success. I think it is most important to create a family of student leaders (resident advisers, life leaders, ASGCU members, etc.) that are passionate about living life in tight-knit communities. If that is the case, they will be successful in becoming close with the people around them and have relationships that promote their social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.”
On parking:
“To the best of my knowledge, with the radical growth of the student body, it will be necessary to charge for parking next year. Depending on where a student parks, he or she may have to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 annually for a parking pass. There also will be a parking garage near the Arena on the south side of campus by the fall.”
On campus security:
“With the increase in students at GCU, we can anticipate an increase in the public safety personnel on campus. I agree with the recent decision to limit the number of entrances to campus and to closely monitor each. This means very few, if any, people will be able to enter campus unchecked -- as is the case right now with entrances by the baseball fields and Ethington Theatre.”
Contact Michael Ferraresi at 639.7030 or [email protected].
